It is completely incomprehensible how the dwarf states of Europe, surrounded by such strong and powerful powers, managed to defend their independence and the right to choose their own path. Perhaps the history of San Marino, one of the smallest European countries, will reveal this secret.
At the same time, despite its tiny size, the state has very pretentious names, for example, the Most Serene Republic - this is how the full name of San Marino sounds in a literal translation from Italian. The toponym guesses the name of one of the Christian monks who stood at the origins of the birth of the mini-state.
From the foundation to the Middle Ages
The history of San Marino, according to legend, begins in the years 298-300. AD from Saint Marina, who fled from religious persecution and retired from the world. But crowds of pilgrims did not allow him to retire, they founded a monastery. Documents show that the monastery actually existed in the 6th century, and independently of its political neighbors.
Over the next centuries, the name "San Marino" is found in documents, the settlement survives the raids of the Saracens and Magyars, strengthens the walls, builds ramparts. By the 13th century, the borders of the republic were expanding.
The small state was between the powerful of this world, which is why it was forced to take one side, causing, accordingly, the anger of the opposite side. In the 13th century, opposition to the popes began and continued until the 16th century.
New time
In the 18th century, San Marino was still an independent republic. Because of this, there was another conflict with the papal legate, Cardinal Alberoni, who, together with the army, occupied the country. He tried to force the people to take the oath, gathering them in a cathedral and locking them up for several days. Pope Clement XII restored the republic.
In the 19th century, San Marino tried to remain neutral, and in many military conflicts it took a side position. Thanks to this, the state managed to maintain its independence, although attempts to seize territories and annexation were made by neighbors repeatedly. It also managed to survive the terrible wars of the twentieth century, while retaining its independence.
